Lanark

Photographer's Note

COVID-19 - LANIMERS CANCELLED!

Today, in the town of Lanark where we live, is "Lanimer Day", a day of festivity, celebration and processions through the streets of the town. But, like so many events, Covid-19 has sadly caused "Lanimers" to be cancelled completely this year.

So here are some photographs from "Lanimer Days" of previous years, my main photograph being one of the Crowning of the "Lanimer Queen" outside St. Nicholas' Church while in the workshop you can see a wider view of the Queen and her Court just before she is crowned, as well as a view of part of the procession down the High Street.

ISO 400, 1/2000 sec at f/5.6, focal length 300mm.

Larger version here: https://i1.trekearth.com/photos/48186/img_17038.jpg

Location co-ordinates here: 55.673598, -3.780008

And for those interested in this tradition:

Lanark is one of the oldest Royal Burghs in Scotland, its Charter being granted in 1140 by King David I (1124-1153). One of the conditions attached was that the Burgesses of the town were required to examine their "March" or boundary stones every year and report back that all was well or ill according to what they had found. Lanark is probably unique among the Royal Burghs in that it has carried out this duty every year since it was first imposed. This duty of the Land Marches soon became an annual celebration - "The Lanimers".

What started as a simple duty soon turned into an annual festival including horse racing on Lanark Moor with music by the town drummer and minstrel. By the 17th Century members of the Burgh Council were competing for the honour of carrying the Burgh flag or standard. Until 1834 the Burgh Council and Deacons of Crafts took it in turns to appoint the Lord Cornet - the Standard Bearer. From 1834-1974 the Provost & Magistrates alone chose the Lord Cornet. Since 1974 a Committee has chosen the Lord Cornet, that group comprising of representatives of the Lanimer Committee, the Guildry, District and Community Councillors and the Lord Cornets' Club.

Processions, with decorated vehicles started in the 19th Century, and gradually developed into the colourful affair that Lanark has today. Much of this dates back to 1893 when the first Lanimer Queen, Grace Adams, was appointed. At present the Lanimer Queen is elected by her peers, in rotation from six schools, Lanark Grammar, Robert Owen Primary, Lanark Primary, St Mary's Primary, New Lanark Primary and Kirkfieldbank Primary.

Lanimer Day falls on the Thursday between the 6th and 12th June (General Elections permitting!) Don't ask why, its just "aye been". Lanimer Day is the highlight of the weeks celebrations, and for many, the culmination of months of inspiration, application and perspiration. Schools are closed, grown ups are off work and the pubs are open early. The Procession is huge, the children excited and tired, the adults tired and emotional! The Bands now play all day, and Castlebank Park is jam packed with people and attractions day and night.

Lanarkians love Lanimers!

Fis2, Royaldevon, jhm, holmertz, ricardomattos, jean113, alvaraalto, Ilonka1974, adramad, COSTANTINO ha contrassegnato questa nota come utile

Critiques | Translate

Fis2 (170807) 2020-06-11 4:57

Witaj John!
Your photos create an excellent coverage of the ceremony "Lanimer Day"
I like frames and colors.
Very well done.
Good afternoon.
Krzysztof

Royaldevon (85932) 2020-06-11 5:25

Hello John,

A fine trio of photographs to accompany these very interesting notes about the history of 'Lanimer Day'.
It has a wonderful history and, as often happens when festivals are enjoyed, has expanded over the years.

I like this idea of a person being responsible for checking that all the boundary stones are in tact; it creates a very tangible link with the area's history. I suppose the person elected to do it is highly respected.
(When will a retired, local surgeon be considered?)

This main photograph captures so many different expressions! Some are jazzing up the moment of crowning whereas, is there one girl who may be showing just a hint of envy!

It's a very well captured scene, sharp and colourful and can't have been easy, as I imagine there were lots of others all eager to record this moment.

It must have been a great blow to the organisers, when the festival was cancelled. I see that the lady who would do the crowning had already been selected.
Just to ease the disappointment as much as possible, a "Lock Down Look Back to Lanimers" has gone live, with the second edition at 8.15 tonight.
Do you think most people will tune in to see this?

Thanks for sharing this.
I love a bit of history, Bev :-)

rychem (72187) 2020-06-11 5:39

A very nice tradition, I wonder how rich and colorful are these costumes, and kids have a lot of fun as I can see :)
regards Ryszard

jhm (211736) 2020-06-11 5:57

Hello John,

***First: my note is present now, who has this remove, I don't know.
Reply, the lock is not the same but one mile further on an other creek.***
A pity that through corona everything are cancelled completely this year.
I like traditions this gives a nice togetherness between the people.
Your picture I seems a old painting with great sharpness and clarity made.
Lovely with the crown above.
This is an artwork, beautiful.
Very well done, TFS.

Have a nice day, but without festivity,
John

Silvio1953 (221659) 2020-06-11 7:38

Ciao caro John, nice scene with a lot of people, fine details, excellent clarity, splendid light and wonderful colors, very well done, my friend, ciao Silvio

holmertz (102732) 2020-06-11 7:47

Hello John,
I understand from these photos that a lot of people will be extremely disappointed this year. It is clearly a tradition that involves a large part of the population of Lanark. But looking at your very entertaining and interesting photos it is also obvious that these celebrations are extremely unsuitable for pandemic days.
Kind regards,
Gert

ricardomattos (17460) 2020-06-11 8:00

Hello John,

Excellent photographs. I really appreciated this diversity of colors, composition and sharpness in addition to the fidelity in our skin tones. Corrected photometry chosen by you. Beautiful work and explanatory note.

Congratulations

Ricardo

lousat (139298) 2020-06-11 9:12

Hi John,festivities are deleted everywhere in my country too because the virus,and it's a pity,late springtime and summer are always full of celebrations but not this year,3 beautiful memories from your archive,the Quees is lovely! Have a nice evening and thanks,Luciano

jean113 (27887) 2020-06-11 9:28

Hello John, three wonderful pictures that give us a real taste of Lanimer Day. I can almost hear the cheering as I look at this picture.
The body language of all the people is very interesting, the different costumes are so colourful.
Every shot is in sharp focus.
Very informative notes.

What a shame that the event has had to be cancelled, like many, many events up and down the U.K.
Fingers crossed, it will be even more enjoyable next year.
Thanks for sharing, kind regards, Jean.

ktanska (44788) 2020-06-11 10:38

Hi John,
Interesting to see these girls in all white. I guess it is a tradition rather than fashion statement. Good tight framing to get this group together. And the big crown on top of all!
Kari

alvaraalto (42804) 2020-06-11 11:00

Hello John.
These beautiful photographs of the festivity, celebration and processions through the streets of Lenark in 2014 and the announcement of the cancelling reminded me of Trooping the Colour which is scheduled for next Saturday but of course in slimmed-down form.
My wife is a big fan of that and will definitely set up the BBC to watch on Saturday.
Behind the TV, it's happily Covid-free.
Excellent presentation
Have a nice day. Groet Rob

Ilonka1974 (10289) 2020-06-11 11:45

Hi John,

Beautiful shot.
Lovely composition and very good presentation .
Quality are perfect.

Best regards
Janusz

emka (158198) 2020-06-11 12:38

hello dear John, love Lanimers, who wouldn't! What a wonderful colourful event with such many centuries-old tradition. What a joy for the "factors" and viewers. I would be happy if I could see it. Marvellous pictures. I can imagine that Lanarkians are very disappointed that it is cancelled this year.
beat regards MAlgo

Tue (92402) 2020-06-11 13:53

Hello John,
It is really sad that so many events have been cancelled this year, just like this celebration. This photo from a couple of years ago gives an excellent impression of the day, but let's hope you'll be able to get new photos next year. The boys and girls look great in their noblemen's clothes and white dresses. The colours are very nice and attractive as well.
Lars

mkamionka (74481) 2020-06-17 14:37

Hi John,
it looks like a charming scene from a very colorful event in your town. So pity it was cancelled. Your reportage is reminding us about it . I see taking photos of children in Scotland is not a crime yes as it is in England. I am even worried about photographing landscapes that a child may be present there...
Great quality capture, so full of life and color,
M

adramad (73004) 2020-06-21 9:20

Hi John.
Fantastic photos of this annual festival, which from what I see in them has a lot of color and joy, especially for children, these traditional festivals are the personality of the people and should not be left to die.
Very effective coloring, which highlights the details of the image.
Good management, both of brightness and sharpness.
Very well done. I like it.
Enjoy Sunday.
My best wishes for you.
Luis

COSTANTINO (116542) 2020-06-26 23:09

Hello dear John and have a nice day
unfortunately covid 19 created too
many problems and cancellations too
of all festivals,happenings and celebrations
this way of celebrating is necessary
for all of us and for our life too
regards
Costantino

Photo Information

Copyright: John Cannon (tyro) (30513)
Genre: Luoghi
Medium: Colore
Date Taken: 2014-06-12
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II, Canon EF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM, Hoya 77mm Pro1D UV(0)
Esposizione: 1/21 secondi
Map: view
Versione Foto: Versione Originale, Workshop
Date Submitted: 2020-06-11 4:12